Author Archives: Danny Maldonado

About Danny Maldonado

I love to inspire people to Breathe expectantly, to Live confidently and to Move boldly. I love coffee. Husband and father. Hungry for God's presence and awed by His unfailing and undeserved Love for me! Did I say that I love coffee?

Lilies of the field

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by Danny Maldonado

…Consider the lilies of the field,…Matthew 6:28

Is there any practical truth in this passage? I believe so.

It is time to slow down. We get so enticed in gaining success above everything that we forget a very simple truth: Life is about how we make the journey. Our focus is on how fast we can achieve things, positions, leadership, influence. Our attention and concerns are centered in the temporary situations that we live. We make every effort to “get there first fast”, to become the “next big thing” sometimes ignoring the cost, and neglecting everyone in our path, usually and painfully sat the expense of those who we love the most. Life becomes the survival of the fittest.

Is there any truth in this message? I believe Jesus was trying to tell us more than what we see sometimes. He was not only teaching us of how dependent upon Him we should be, but also took the time to admire the fields, the birds, all that was around. He understood that the simple things in life, are often the most important ones.

If the Maker of it all had time to rest and admire the creation, what about you? After every day when he created all things, He saw it was all good. (Genesis 1).

It’s time to slow down. It’s time to admire the lilies in our field. By doing this we will notice that our perspective in life will be clearer; that the promises He has for us in His Word, are true. We will discover God’s plan for our lives. It is time to take a walk with your spouse. It is time to listen to your son, to have a conver sation with your daughter, to give a hand to your father, or sit down and give your time to your mother. It is time to forgive and forget. It is time to love and not reproach. It is time to talk with your Master. It is time to really be yourself, without reservations and enjoy all that God has given you. Tomorrow, is in His hands. He has promised to take care of your future. And if He is in control, what should you fear?

Life is all about the journey. So, take some time today to consider the lilies of the field.

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

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© Copyright Danny Maldonado, 2006

If I had a time machine

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One Sunday morning, I watched my daughter walk to the room at church where she serves small children that have her on her toes during the morning service. Back home an hour or so later, my son said something funny as he always does, and my wife and I couldn’t stop laughing. “This is good!” I thought to myself. And I also wondered.

So the dreamer in me took charge. What if I had a time machine? Where would I go? What would I do? Who would I meet? Maybe I could go back in time and place myself into history and help win battles, or I could witness the declaration of independence. Who knows, since I was dreaming I could go anywhere. What about the moon? I can sit down, history books on hand, and choose where to go or what to do. What would it be? What would make me feel whole and happy? Fulfilled? What would I do if I could go back on a time machine?

And I wondered again. And the idea came to me as I reflected. I knew exactly where to go and what to do. It had nothing to do with history but happiness. It had nothing to do with money but with relationships. I would go back in time to my own life to relive the most remarkable moments. I would be there again the day I first saw her. I would relive the moment I kissed my son the day he was born and the moment when my daughter’s face graced our lives for the first time. I would embrace every second of my smiling son and daughter. I would contemplate the refreshing laughter of my wife and listen to her beautiful voice intently as she sings. I would be more present, more alert. I’d make less money but live more life. The best moments in my life had nothing to do with earthly possessions or career achievements. But the most significant moments, the times in which time itself seemed timeless, were the moments in which joy and happiness where are their highest.

What about the times I remember with pain? What about those moments that I wish not to relive? And I stopped for a moment. Could I change them? I have a time machine here. Can I fix the past and create a new future? But then a sobering thought overcame me. Being immersed in the wonder of life and taking it in completely, being present and awake, would help me confront those difficult times. And I abandoned this idea of changing the past and embraced the one of changing the future. I cannot change the story of what has already happened. But I realize that I can still change how the story ends. So today, everything can be a new beginning. It doesn’t matter where it started, but how it ends. Pain is real, but grace and hope stand tall.

So the question remains, what would I do If I had a time machine? Simple, I’d do it all over again, happiness and yes, the pain, because it has been in the low moments that the Almighty has shown up and shown off! So as I snapped out of the dream mode I was in, I realized that the future is before me, and I walk with the Maker of the heavens and the earth, and He can change anything. I just need a grateful heart and desire to live full and free.
I’d do it all over again; yes, the happiness and the pain, If I had a time machine.

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

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© Copyright Danny Maldonado, 2014

¿Agua dulce o amarga?

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Quiero hacer un comentario acerca de la próxima elección.

Tengo una preocupación.

Pero no estoy preocupado por lo que quizás piensas que me preocupa. Esto no es un opinion política. En realidad no me preocupa para nada quien saldrá electo, porque en los E.U. la opción es binaria. Yo ya hice la mía y voté. Y eso no es de lo que voy a estar hablando aquí tampoco.

Me preocupan las relaciones que se están lacerando y rompiendo. Me preocupa el tono que se ha estado usando. Me preocupa el carácter crudo que se está develando. Estoy preocupado por aquellos que proclaman tener el mensaje de vida, pero hablan como si no la hubiese. Mi preocupación es por las amistades que porque otro tenga una opinion diferente, se rechacen en los días que se avecinan. Me preocupa la falta de madurez para tener una conversación honesta y con respeto acerca de opiniones disidentes. Me preocupa el lenguaje que nuestros corazones están hablando. Estoy preocupado de que estemos ciegos y sordos a lo que nuestras propias palabras están diciendo. Mi preocupación es por nuestras verdaderas prioridades.

Parece que se nos olvida que después de estos días, aquellos a quienes nos referimos como si no fueran personas, posiblemente tengamos que interactuar con ellos nuevamente. Parece que se nos olvida que después de las elecciones, tendremos que tener comunidad nuevamente. Se nos olvida que ya sea por Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, o cualesquiera sea la plataforma que usemos, nos estamos marcando sea con odio o con amor. Que no quede duda, nuestras palabras nos marcan.

Las elecciones vienen y van. La familia se mantine. La comunidad se mantiene.

¿Pregúntate cuál ha sido tu motivación? ¿Has estado respaldando a tu candidato por la plataforma que posee y los hechos, o por el odio y el repudio que sientes por su oponente? ¿Que le has estado enseñando a tu hijos? ¿Que mensaje están escuchando? ¿Por un lado que deben ser buenos ciudadanos y amar al prójimo, y por el otro odiar todo lo que diga el candidato X porque es una mala persona? ¿No es eso la definición de ceguera?

Santiago, el hermano de Jesús, habló acerca de la capacidad que tienen nuestras palabras.

Con ella bendecimos al Dios y Padre, y con ella maldecimos a los hombres, que están hechos a la semejanza de Dios.
De una misma boca proceden bendición y maldición. Hermanos míos, esto no debe ser así.
¿Acaso alguna fuente echa por una misma abertura agua dulce y amarga? Santiago 3:9-11 (RVR60)

Así que, ¿que sale de nuestra fuente?

¿Son nuestras palabras agua dulce para aquellos que las escuchan o estamos creado heridas y derramando agua amarga con ellas?

Si tus palabras, aún las escritas, nacen de resentimiento, odio, burla o altivez, no son palabras que refrescan. Tampoco se justifican porque el candidato que tiene una opinion contraria las use. Y todos los lados en esta elección las ha usado. Aguas amargas.

La pregunta sigue en pie. ¿Que sale de nuestra fuente? ¿Son nuestras palabras agua dulce o agua amarga? Si es esta última, pausa. Mira profundamente en tu interior. Reflexiona, y quizás, y de ser necesario, borra aquello que has escrito como agua amarga e intenta subsanarlo. El mundo necesita refrigerio y estamos llamados a derramar nuestras vidas como vasijas de honor. Vasijas de agua dulce.

Quizás esta es la manera que la sanidad comience.

Y comienza contigo y conmigo.

“RESPIRA con expectación, VIVE con confianza y MUÉVETE con valentía”

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© Copyright Danny Maldonado, 2020

Fresh or Salt water?

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I want to make a comment about the next election.

I am concerned.

But not about what you may think I would concerned about. This is not a political statement. I am really not all that concerned of who will get elected, because in theUS, it’s a binary choice. I already made mine and voted. And that is also something I will not be talking about here either.

My concern is for the relationships that are being torn apart. My concern is for the tone we have been employing. My concern is for the unearthed raw character we are seeing. I am concerned for those that proclaim to have the message of life, but speak as there was none. I am concerned for friendhips that because of what another might think, will shun each other on days to come. My concern is for the lack of maturity to have a honest and respectful conversation about dissenting views. My concern is about the language our hearts are speaking. I am concerned that we are blind to what our own words are saying. My concern is about our true priorities.

We seem to forget that after these days, those that we spoke as if they were not a person we might have to interact with them again. We seem to forget that after there has been an election, we will have to have community again. We seem to forget that either by Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, or whatever platform you may use, we are branding ourselves either with hate or with love. Make no mistake, our words brand us.

Elections come and go. Family will remain. Community will remain.

Ask yourself what has your motivation been? Have you been rooting for your candidate because of the facts and platform, or because of your hate and disdain for the opponent? What have you been teaching your children? What message are they hearing? On one side that you have to be a good citizen and love your neighbor and on the other side, hate whatever X candidate says because he’s a bad person? Isn’t this the definition of blindness?

James, the brother of Jesus, spoke about the capacity we have with our words.

With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.
From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.
Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? James 3:9–11 (ESV)

So, what are we pouring forth?

Are our words fresh water those that listen to them or are we creating wounds and pouring salt water with them?

If your words, even the written ones have been birthed from bitterness, hate, condescension, or mockery, they have not been refreshing. They are neither justified just because a candidate has an opposing view nor has used the same language themselves. And all sides in this election has done this. Salt waters.

The question remains. Are our words refreshing waters or salt waters? If the latter, stop. Look deeply inside. Reflect, and maybe, if needed, you can delete the posts that are salt waters, and reach out. The world needs refreshing and we are called to pour out our lives as vessels of honor. Vessels of fresh waters.

Maybe this is the way healing might begin.

It starts with you and me.

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

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© Copyright Danny Maldonado, 2020

It’s not ours

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Image result for it is not oursMany, if not all, of our problems, have to do in one way or the other with ownership. Think about it. Seriously.

We get mad when someone at work is given the corner office. Or if the position you applied for was given to someone else. “That should’ve been me. I’m more qualified.” We say to ourselves. What about the house we live in or the car we drive? Did you see what beautiful neighborhood it is? I can go endlessly on examples, from money, influence, friends, and on and on.

Granted, we all desire a good life. We all wish to have a better set of circumstances than the ones we currently have. That is why we work and decide where to eat or spend our vacations. It is the same when we go out to buy clothes or other “essentials” of life. The fact remains the same; we have a problem of ownership.

If we are honest with ourselves, we don’t own anything. Think of that for a second. Do you own your life? You might argue saying, “Well, of course, I do as I please,” but do you own your life? I had a friend that jokingly always said to me, “We all have an expiration date written behind our ear.” And he was right. Not the part of the ear, but the part that none of us know what that date is. What about your children? Are they yours? “Well, of course, I gave them life.” You’d say. Did you? And that bank account and investment account? They’re yours also, right?

While we walk on this earth, some papers say that x,y, or z, legally belong to you and me. But in reality, none of it is.

It is all a stewardship. It is temporary, and we are accountable. If we ingrain this thought deeply into our souls, life would be so much easier, for all of us.

The One that pointed it out more clearly was Jesus. There are a couple of parables he used that describe this in a better way. In Luke 12:16-23, Jesus told the story of a man that amassed a great deal of earthly wealth and observed it to the point that he wanted to build even bigger barns to store it. The problem for him was that he would not live to see the next day. Oops! He lived his life as if he had control of it all and determined who got what. Jesus himself posted a question as to who would inherit all he had amassed.

There was yet another example in Matthew 25:14-30 of a man who left his employees to tend to his fortune. At his return, he rewarded each once accordingly to how he had dealt with what was entrusted to each. It was all a stewardship.

If we sincerely stopped for a moment and looked at life this way, we would see everything differently. We would be free. We would understand that God gave even the talents we express for us to steward in a way that would honor him and benefit us and those we love. Because when we use our skills well, we are giving honor to the One who created us to His image and at the same time, we elevate our awareness of our worth.

Everything on this earth was created for our enjoyment, not for our enslavement. We are not slaves of stuff; we are stewards of it. We take care of what was entrusted to us: children, our earthly bodies, houses, employment, leadership, talents.

When we attach to stuff thinking it’s ours, we enslave ourselves. We are not the owners. Don’t fall for that lie. The secret to becoming free is to acknowledge it is not ours. And while we are constantly bombarded every day to acquire more and more, a sincere and genuine view of who owns it all will free us from being pressured.

After all, it is all HIS. All of it!

It’s not ours.

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

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© Copyright Danny Maldonado, 2019

“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

Un Susurro

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Entonces El dijo: Sal y ponte en el monte delante del Señor. Y he aquí que el Señor pasaba. Y un grande y poderoso viento destrozaba los montes y quebraba las peñas delante del Señor; pero el Señor no estaba en el viento. Después del viento, un terremoto; pero el Señor no estaba en el terremoto. Después del terremoto, un fuego; pero el Señor no estaba en el fuego. Y después del fuego, el susurro de una brisa apacible. 1 Reyes 19:12-12

Hace un tiempo atrás, mientras manejaba hacia mi trabajo, escuchaba una canción de René Gonzalez, “Mi Vida.’ René es amigo y es un talentoso cantante y Pastor en Puerto Rico, reconocido internacionalmente. Mientras escuchaba esta canción, unas cuantas líneas llamaron mi atención y me hicieron recordar mi accidente.

“Mi vida, vio la vida que refleja tu mirada

yo pensé que era el final de mi jornada,

pero Tú llegaste para rescatar, mi vida”

Aunque la canción se refiere al poder de Jesús al redimirnos del pecado, no pude sino pensar en mi experiencia con el rayo. ha pasado algún tiempo desde que escribí acerca de mi accidente en Todavía estoy de pie. Durante este tiempo he pensado mucho acerca del incidente, especialmente cuando hay tormentas eléctricas. Pero cuando escuché las palabras en esta canción, inmediatamente me transporté a ese día. Mi corazón está lleno de agradecimiento al recordar que pudo haber sido una historia totalmente diferente. Fue un moment de total rendición y mi corazón se sumergió en adoración.

Durante estos meses me he hecho muchas preguntas y he buscado significado. ¿Porqué? ¿Para qué? y en mas ocasiones de las que puedo recordar, le he pedido a Dios que me hable. Entonces algo llamó mi atención como nunca antes. Mientras leía el Salmo 29  el verso 7 cobró vida: “La voz del Señor resuena con relámpagos.” ¿Será posible? ¿Será verdad? ¿Que Él me haya hablado y no me diera cuenta? Sé que mi experiencia con el rayo es una en un millón, pero mis preguntas persistían. Fue cuando recordé a Elías en la cueva y ocurrió un terremoto, un fuego y un viento fuerte. Con frecuencia relacionamos a Dios con lo espectacular, y queremos que lo extraordinario se manifieste en nuestras vidas, lo impactante es lo que nos conmueve y nos inspira. Pero cuando Elías escuchó un susurro, era allí dondeDios estaba, en lo ordinario. Él susurró porque estaba cerca.

Mi conmueve el saber que el Creador del universo escogió hablarme de la manera que en que lo hizo. Tengo que admitir que puede que nunca lo comprenda del todo, pero una cosa tengo bien clara y es que Él habla de muchas mas formas de las que le dams crédito. ¿Puede ser que try o estamos tan distraído que el Señor e Señores ha estado tratando de hacernos ver la vida que refleja su mirada y no nos hemos dado cuenta? ¿Será que Él ha estado susurrándonos y nosotros estamos esperando rayos, terremotos, fuego, o vientos grandes y fuertes? ¿Has hecho señor de tu vida el agite de este mundo?

Él está susurrándote. ¿Lo estás escuchando?

Aquí está el video de René González

“RESPIRA con expectación, VIVE con confianza y MUÉVETE con valentía”

¿Quieres esta inspiración de café por correo electrónico todas las mañanas? Ingresa tu dirección de correo electrónico para suscribirte en la parte superior derecha de esta página, debajo de la casilla de “Subscribe” ¿Te gusta este escrito y deseas compartirlo? Simplemente añade tu comentario abajo en “Leave a Reply” o compártelo en Facebook, Twitter, o por correo electrónico usando cualesquiera de los botones al lado de “Share this:”

© Copyright Danny Maldonado, 2018

Las citas bíblicas son tomadas de la Santa Biblia: la Biblia de las Américas: con referencias y notas (electronic ed., 1 Ki 19:11–12). La Habra, CA: Editorial Fundación, Casa Editorial para La Fundación Bíblica Lockman (1998). Todos los derechos reservados. 

Nueva Traducción Viviente. (2009). (Ps 29:7). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

A Whisper

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The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 1 Kings 19:11-12

While driving to work some time ago I was listening to a song from René Gonzalez, “Mi Vida” or “My Life” in English. René is a friend and an internationally renowned and gifted singer and pastor from Puerto Rico. While I was listening to this song, a couple of lines caught my attention and made me remember my accident.

“Mi vida, vio la vida que refleja tu mirada,

yo pensé que era el final de mi jornada,

pero Tú llegaste para rescatar, mi vida”

This is not necessarily a good translation for the verses of the song, and may note reflect the correct cadence, but are here to relay the meaning I gleaned while listening:

“My life, saw the life reflected in your gaze

I thought that this was the end of my days

But You came to rescue, my life.”

While the song is referring to the redemptive power of Jesus from our sins, I could not but think of my experience with lightning. It’s been some time since I wrote about my accident in the post I’m still standing. During this time I have thought a lot about it, especially when there are thunderstorms. But when I listened to the words of this song, I immediately went back to that day. My heart was full of gratefulness as I remembered that it could have been an entirely different story. It was a moment of complete rendition, and my heart was submerged in worship.

During these months I have asked many questions and looked for meaning. Why me? What for? and more times that I can remember, I have also asked God to speak to me. But then something came to my attention like never before. While reading Psalm 29, verse 7 came alive: “The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning.” Could it be possible? Can this be true? That I had been spoken to and didn’t realize it? I know that my lightning strike experience is one in a million, but still my questions remain. I then remembered when Elijah was in the cave and there was an earthquake, fire and a rushing wind. The spectacular is what we oftentimes relate to God, we want the extraordinary to be showcase in our lives, the impactful is what stirs us and moves us. But when Elijah heard a whisper, that is where God was, in the ordinary. He whispered because he was close.

It is humbling to know that the Creator of the universe chose to speak to me the way he did. And I’ll admit that I might never fully comprehend it all. But one thing became especially clear to me; He speaks in more ways than what we credit him for. Could it be that you and I have been so distracted that The Lord of Lords has been trying to make us see the life that reflects from his gaze upon us, and you and I are missing it? Has he been whispering to you and are waiting for lightning, an earthquake, fire, or a rushing wind? Have you made the struggle of this world the lord of your life?

He is whispering. Are you listening?

Here is the video of this song by René Gonzalez

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

Want this inspiration of coffee by email every morning? Enter your e-mail to subscribe at the top right of this page under the box for “Subscribe”. Like this writing and want share it? Just add your comment below on “Leave a Reply” or share it on Facebook, Twitter, or by email using any of the buttons next to “Share this:”

© Copyright Danny Maldonado, 2018
Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible: Today’s New International Version. 2005. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

All you need is me

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Farm fencesIt is hard to be in an unknown place and feel lost. Many times in real physical places and other times in figurative ones, yet still lost. Not a good feeling at all. You know the ones I’m talking about? The times when your feelings betray your logic, or when reality challenges your beliefs. It becomes and emotional mess and a place where your character is tested.

This isn’t new to our generation. It has been happening for centuries. In the book of Exodus 33:12-14 it is plainly described. Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.”  Did you catch that? The man that spoke and heard directly from God was questioning him about his own purpose. He was at a crossroad, unsure, lost. But this puzzling time also became one of the most significant times for Moses and for us. God’s responded, “The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”  In plain English: In this uncertain time, all you need is me.

You might find yourself in a crossroad, a place where all you see is quicksand and uncertainty. The natural thing to do is to run for the hills or to call eery living soul we could possibly know. We seek the counsel of men and resort to our own strengths. But there is a whisper that lovingly tells you, “All you need is me. Only I will give you rest.”

Stop searching around what you can only receive from above. And trust, relax and walk. You already have what you need.

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”
Want this inspiration of coffee by email every morning? Enter your e-mail to subscribe at the top right of this page under the box for “Subscribe”. Like this writing and want share it? Just add your comment below on “Leave a Reply” or share it on Facebook, Twitter, or by email using any of the buttons next to “Share this:”
© Copyright Danny Maldonado, 2017
Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible: Today’s New International Version. 2005. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.